Hope you got a good night sleep because today will be both physically and emotionally taxing. The physical part will be due to the hot and humid weather that comes during this time of the year. The emotional will be saying goodbye to your child knowing the next week will be very challenging for them. But you can do it!

The first stop will be at the Holliday Alumni Center (aka HAC) which is #56 on the map. It is also located across from the football stadium. You will pull up here and wait until we start processing vehicles through at 7AM sharp. When you pull forward you will be asked for your cadet's name. They will provide you with a "letter" which represents the company they have been assigned. Place the letter in the dashboard so the cadet guides around campus will be able to direct you to the appropriate buildings. Don't worry, we won't let you get lost!

One of the first questions you will have is how early should we arrive? Here's a recommendation.

Once you pull up to the unloading area at the barracks (barracks are the dorms - they are also called battalions), you will be met by a bunch of upperclass parents from The Citadel Family Association (CFA) wearing blue CFA shirts. This is known as the "Blue Shirt Army". While your student goes to the entrance of their battalion (known as the Sallyport) to check in and get their initial outfitting of uniforms, The CFA will help you unload the car and place your items on the sidewalk. You will be asked to move your car to one of the parking lots near by. When your student returns with their room number, the "Army" will help you move everything in. Members of the family are welcome to accompany their cadet to their room. All the freshmen are on the third and fourth floors, so having the "Army" reduces the number of times you have to go up and down the stairs! Yes, you can pay it back next year by being a member of the "Blue Shirt Army"! You can take your time in the room and battalion, but keep in mind you have to leave at 10AM.

So let's go back to the question about when to arrive. For this day, we recommend taking your cues off your child - not your desires. Some like to arrive early and get going while others are OK arriving a little later. In the past I have seen people lined up by 6AM so they can spend more time in the room with their son or daughter before they leave. We like to process the last car before 9AM, so I would make sure you arrive before 8:30AM. Just like deciding when to arrive, watch for the signals from your cadet of when it's time to give them a hug goodbye, tell them how proud you are of them and leave the room.

From 8:00-1030AM we will have an Information Fair in McAlister Field House (#21 on the Map). All of the different Administrative and Academic Offices will be there to welcome you and share what they do. The Post Office will be there, so bring them some letters to your cadet - no need to put postage on them! We encourage you to come and begin to develop relationships with the other proud 2028 families. At 10:30AM we will ask you to take a seat with others from your Company to hear remarks from the President and other members of the Senior Leadership Team. That usually lasts until 11:45AM. At that time you are free . . .and encouraged . . to leave! I know the temptation is to find your child to see how they are doing. Please resist the temptation. They and the cadets training them do not need any distractions because they have a lot to do in a short period of time.

OK, it's been a jammed-packed morning. Go home or to the hotel and get some rest!

There is one more thing you can attend if you are around on Monday. Click the "Next" Button to find out more.